Launch of Certificate in Pastoral Ministry for Dioceses in the North of England
Late this past January, two induction ceremonies took place in Liverpool and Darlington in the U.K. to mark the official launch of the new “Certificate in Pastoral Ministry for Dioceses in the North of England”, a program designed jointly by IPS in collaboration with Dioceses in the North of England.
Veronica Murphy and Catherine Darby, both from the Archdiocese of Liverpool, serve as the primary liaisons for this program. They have shared the following photos from the two induction ceremonies, saying:
“We had a wonderful Induction Day with the students from this side of the Pennines on Saturday. There was almost full attendance despite poor weather and great enthusiasm and excitement were apparent. Both the Induction Days were very well received & appreciated. (The students) very much enjoyed meeting one another face-to-face…It was a privilege to be with both groups who are now ready to launch into their first module!”
IPS professors Peter Jones and Michael Canaris will teach the first module — “What is Pastoral Ministry?” — starting this week. Over 50 registered students are expected to explore what being called to pastoral ministry in the church means today.
The “Certificate in Pastoral Ministry” program will consist of 10 six-week modules delivered in an online format utilizing faculty from IPS and England. The certificate is a non-degree, non-credit program offered over two years that equips lay ministers, teachers, deacons, and parish leaders with up-to-date knowledge, skills, and education for contemporary pastoral ministry. Upon completion of the 10 modules, students will be awarded a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry by IPS.